Action potentials (APs) in the sinoatrial (SA) node and ventricular cells of the heart are different. Draw two graphs (time vs. membrane potential) that display these two types of AP and indicate the major permeant ion (K+, Na+ or Ca2+) during each phase (4 labels on each AP). Comment on why the APs are different given the function of these cells in the heart.
Added by David M.
Step 1
First, we need to draw two graphs for the action potentials in the sinoatrial (SA) node and ventricular cells of the heart. The x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents membrane potential. Show more…
Show all steps
Your feedback will help us improve your experience
Sri K and 55 other Biology educators are ready to help you.
Ask a new question
Labs
Want to see this concept in action?
Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.
Key Concepts
Recommended Videos
Please compare and contrast action potentials in cardiac autorhythmic cells and cardiac contractile cells, including drawings to illustrate your discussion. Would increased sympathetic nervous system activity affect either of these cells? If so, please describe how, including the cellular mechanism that produces the effect. What effect(s) would this have on overall cardiac function?
Madhur L.
Compare and contrast the following aspects of the action potential in neurons and cardiac pacemaker cells: • How do the resting membrane potentials differ? • What happens at threshold to allow for complete depolarization?
James K.
Please outline the process of action potentials in neurons starting with what causes the initial depolarization, what's happening to voltage-gated Na+ and K+ at each phase of the action potential as in depolarization, repolarization, and hyper-polarization.
Sri K.
Recommended Textbooks
Biology for AP Courses
Objective Biology for NEET
Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry
Transcript
Watch the video solution with this free unlock.
EMAIL
PASSWORD